Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous But his epic project is a stupendous, oceanfront complex in Palm Beach. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 Rinko Kikuchi is stupendous as a ballroom-dancing widow infatuated with her instructor. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Also stupendous is the aguachile, raw Mexican shrimp served in a zingy brew of fresh lime juice and jalapeños. Cathy Chaplin, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2026 To proceed more or less in order, renewables are now increasingly backstopped not by fossil fuels but by batteries, which have grown cheaper at a stupendous pace. Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • And then, back comes Katie with another amazing script.
    Stephen Root, IndieWire, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The widespread opposition has turned into a rare bipartisan issue, with conservatives and liberals joining sides to an astonishing degree.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 June 2026
  • An astonishing 51 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Many in the mountaineering community have hailed Hillary Dawa’s survival as miraculous.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • That the World Cup happened at all in a nation recovering from such destruction seemed miraculous to a young Luna.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Then head inside on the second floor rotunda to see the marvelous California history mural and the breathtaking globe chandelier.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • Unfortunately, a marvellous premise does not a successful novel make (despite the book’s sales, the fervid discourse surrounding it, and the plans for a film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway).
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Ritz-Carlton guests will also finally have access to hop aboard the incredible, spaceship-like Adastra super-yacht, currently available only for neighboring Patina Maldives guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • To not have that would be devastating … There’s just things that would become a lot more muted if people don’t have attachment to anything, which is quite incredible.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Step through that doorway and visitors are greeted by Penryn Grill, a full-service restaurant that has become one of Placer County's most surprising dining destinations.
    Conor McGill, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • That outcome would amount to a surprising end to what had been a rocket-ship campaign for the 42-year-old gadfly.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • The bathroom was stunning—all white and glass—and as high tech as the bedroom, with a state-of-the-art toilet and electronic bidet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Since then, Irby has continued to spotlight some of the sport’s most stunning plays and impressive stars, including former Arkansas slugger and current AUSL player Bri Ellis, while also engaging with players from stalwart programs in the comments.
    Molly Keshin, New York Times, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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